Gold Coast residents protest controversial 'view tax' rate hike

Hundreds of protesters have marched to Gold Coast's council chambers to rally against the city's so-called "view tax", fighting for the rate changes to be scrapped.

About 200 residents marched against the changes, which saw significant hikes to apartment rates as high as 50 per cent.

Council says it was introduced so apartment owners would pay more of their fair share, but the protesters disagree.

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"There was no consultation, and there's apparently 4 per cent of people that are subsidising 96 per cent of our population," resident Norm Steere said.

Mayor Tom Tate says the adjustments were made to ensure fairness and equity in the rating system. 

"It's about valuation of your property, who can afford more, they pay more, and that's what it's all about, it's not about the view," he said.

He has ruled out a reversal, but says moving forward, the goal is to keep rate rises in line with inflation. 

The protesters have vowed to hit the streets again next month.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.